The grant will support the expansion of FourBlock’s Career Readiness Coach Program to assist veterans impacted by COVID-19.
(NEW YORK CITY) – FourBlock has been awarded a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), one of 26 grants announced by BWF last month as part of an investment of $1.6 million for best-in-class organizations that are providing programs and services to veterans, caregivers, and military families impacted by COVID-19.
BWF’s grant to FourBlock will support the formalization and expansion of a peer-to-peer coaching program for its flagship veteran Career Readiness Program, which helps returning veterans build the professional relationships they need to achieve their potential and excel in meaningful new careers after military service. The Peer-to-Peer Career Readiness Coach Program will connect working professionals with current FourBlock students to provide them one-to-one guidance and feedback, and to ensure that each veteran is on a path to success during their transition.
With this grant, FourBlock will expand its corps of coaches to help at least 250 veterans develop professional foundations, build relationships, and instill confidence as they prepare for civilian careers. This will include at least 30 veterans in Boston and 50 veterans in New York City.
“We are thrilled to renew our partnership with one of our earliest supporters, the Bob Woodruff Foundation,” said FourBlock Founder and President Michael Abrams. “This support from BWF will not only provide us with the ability to enhance our current efforts, but also to offer immediate career support, advice, and professional connections to veterans and spouses impacted by COVID-19.”
Most immediately, peer-to-peer coaches will provide urgent and localized career support to veterans impacted by COVID-19. Additionally, coaches will provide one-to-one assistance with informational interviews, help perfect elevator pitches, review targeted resumes, expand students’ networks, give general interview and follow-up feedback, and provide industry-specific guidance. Each coach will also receive formal onboarding training with FourBlock’s Director of Program Impact and Assessment, Lisa Stern.
According to BWF’s announcement, the foundation has invested over $6 million in supporting veterans and military families in 2020 alone —the most funding the foundation has ever provided in a single year. FourBlock would like to thank the Bob Woodruff Foundation for its continued support and generosity.
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About FourBlock
FourBlock is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting returning service members in their transition from military service to meaningful civilian careers. Now in its 10th year, FourBlock’s flagship Veteran Career Readiness Program is taught by corporate executives in major cities across the U.S. and serves more than 600 transitioning veterans annually. To learn more about how FourBlock is helping veterans transition better and building a nationwide community of veteran professionals, visit fourblock.org or contact info@fourblock.org.
About the Bob Woodruff Foundation
The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was hit by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has led an enduring call to action for people to stand up for heroes and meet the emerging and long-term needs of today’s veterans. To date, BWF has invested over $75 million to Find, Fund and Shape™ programs that have empowered impacted veterans, service members, and their family members, across the nation. For more information, please visit bobwoodrufffoundation.org or follow us on Twitter at @Stand4Heroes.